PhD Research Opportunities (University of Canterbury & Dawn Aerospace)
Dawn Aerospace
Salary undisclosed
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Description
Dawn Aerospace and the University of Canterbury are seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates for a number of fully-sponsored research projects in advanced aerospace engineering.
Successful applicants will be enrolled as PhD students at the University of Canterbury and will undertake research projects aligned with real-world aerospace challenges at Dawn Aerospace. Candidates will be supervised jointly by University of Canterbury academics and Dawn Aerospace technical experts.
This is a unique opportunity to combine doctoral research with direct exposure to one of the world's fastest-growing space transportation companies.
Available Research Projects
Three projects are available:
- Microgravity Thermofluids Analysis and Propellant Management: Research focused on fluid behaviour and propellant management in microgravity environments, supporting the development of future space propulsion systems. https://bpb-ap-se2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.auckland.ac.nz/dist/e/1107/files/2026/07/ADS-2.13-Microgravity-thermofluids-analysis-and-propellant-management.pdf
- Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation for Hypersonic UAVs: Research focused on advanced design methodologies and optimisation techniques for next-generation high-speed aerospace vehicles. https://bpb-ap-se2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.auckland.ac.nz/dist/e/1107/files/2026/07/ADS-2.14-Multidisciplinary-Design-Optimization-for-Hypersonic-UAVs.pdf
- Design and testing of novel space-efficient damping structures (Coming Soon): A third PhD project will be published shortly and applicants will have the opportunity to express interest in this project as part of the application process. NOTE: This project is not part of the Applied Doctorate Scheme
Questions about a project?
We recognise that prospective PhD candidates may wish to better understand the research scope, expected outcomes, funding arrangements, and supervision model before applying.
If you would like additional information about any of the projects, please complete the application process. Where appropriate, we can arrange an introductory discussion with the relevant University of Canterbury and Dawn Aerospace supervisors.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with strong academic backgrounds in disciplines such as:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Engineering
- Other closely related fields
Applicants should be passionate about solving challenging engineering problems and interested in applying their research to real aerospace systems.
Experience with fluid simulation, thermal modelling, structural analysis, or vibration is preferred.
Application Process
Through a single application, candidates may express interest in one or more of the available research projects.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- CV
- Academic transcript
- Details of current or completed qualifications
- Statement of research interests
- Preferred project(s)
Shortlisted candidates will be assessed jointly by Dawn Aerospace and the University of Canterbury.
About Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company building scalable and sustainable spaceflight technologies. With operations across New Zealand and Europe, Dawn develops satellite propulsion systems and spaceplane technology designed to enable routine access to space.
Important Information
This opportunity is for enrolment as a PhD student at the University of Canterbury. Successful candidates will not be employees of Dawn Aerospace. Research will be undertaken through a collaborative arrangement between the University of Canterbury and Dawn Aerospace, with joint supervision and industry engagement throughout the programme.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Dawn Aerospace, we believe that diverse teams build better solutions. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued and supported to do their best work.
About Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company with a purpose.
Our mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move around in space. We believe this access, in the form of a transportation network, will fundamentally change what’s possible from space. We currently focus on three areas of space transportation:
- In-space propulsion
We're a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for various classes of satellites. Our systems utilise safe, accessible propellants and we have over 170 of these propulsion units on more than 40 operational satellites already. A further 200 units are in production. - In-space servicing
Coupled with our propulsion expertise, we are ensuring that our customers' satellites are refuellable. In the coming years, Dawn will offer a refueling service to enable life extension of customer satellites. This new market is aligned with our sustainability goal to ensue a clean and safe space for everyone! - Spaceplane
We are developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space.
Our international teams are distributed across four locations: the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.
Apply for this Job
Important!
If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.
To all recruitment agencies: Dawn Aerospace does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our job’s alias, our employees, or any other company location. Dawn Aerospace will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
About this role
Pursuing a PhD while embedded in a real aerospace company is rare. This opportunity pairs doctoral study at the University of Canterbury with hands-on research at Dawn Aerospace, a space transportation company developing satellite propulsion systems, in-space servicing capabilities, and hypersonic spaceplane technology. You would be jointly supervised by university academics and Dawn Aerospace engineers, working on problems that directly feed into the company's development pipeline rather than purely theoretical research. The three available projects focus on microgravity fluid dynamics and propellant management for space propulsion, multidisciplinary design optimisation for high-speed vehicles, and novel damping structures for space applications.
The role suits candidates with strong foundations in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related engineering disciplines, or applied mathematics and physics. Prior experience with fluid simulation, thermal modelling, structural analysis, or vibration work is valued. You need genuine interest in solving complex engineering problems and seeing your research applied to functioning aerospace systems, not just academic publication. The application asks for your CV, transcripts, statement of research interests, and preferred project choice; shortlisted candidates are assessed jointly by both institutions.
One important distinction: you will be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Canterbury, not employed by Dawn Aerospace. The collaboration is structured to give you industry exposure and real-world context while maintaining your academic status. The role is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and requires in-office presence. Funding is fully sponsored, though specific arrangements are discussed during the application process.
How this employer is doing
solid
- Recently Raised Funding
- Expanding
In the news
Dawn Aerospace closes $25 million Series B for global reusable space transportation expansion, CompositesWorld
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